How to Use the S Gear in an Automatic Transmission Car?

[Catherine]

Automatic transmission cars use the S gear for climbing hills and rapid overtaking. An automatic transmission means the driver does not need to shift gears manually; the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. The method to start an automatic transmission car is: 1. Observe the surroundings for safety before getting in the car, and fasten the seatbelt after entering; 2. Press the brake with the right foot and push the one-touch start button; 3. Shift to D gear and release the handbrake. The gears in an automatic transmission are: 1. P gear is the parking gear and starting gear; 2. R gear is the reverse gear; 3. N gear is the neutral gear; 4. D gear is the drive gear, also known as the forward gear; 5. L gear is the low-speed gear; 6. S gear is the sport mode; 7. OD gear is the overdrive gear.

[VanLuna]

I drive an automatic transmission car to and from work every day, and I feel that the S mode is most suitable for overtaking or climbing hills. Like last week when I was driving on a mountain road, switching to S mode directly raised the engine speed to 3000 RPM, and I could clearly feel a much quicker power response, making the climb much easier. However, be careful not to use it for too long. Once I forgot to switch back to D mode and drove 20 kilometers, and the fuel consumption was 2 liters higher than usual. Also, at red lights, you'll notice more noticeable body vibrations since the RPM is higher. It's recommended to use D mode for comfortable city driving. If you really want to experience driving fun, find an open road and briefly switch to S mode for a bit—the transmission won't break that easily.

[MacIsabelle]

As a seasoned driver who has owned five sporty models, I often tell my friends that the S mode is not just for show. It makes the transmission delay upshifts, holding gears until the redline hits 6000 rpm, while also enabling more aggressive downshifts. Especially when tackling mountain roads on weekends—stomping the throttle before a corner triggers an instant two-gear drop, delivering exhilarating engine roar and neck-snapping acceleration. However, real-world testing shows about 15% higher fuel consumption compared to D mode. A pro tip: avoid S mode on wet roads as it increases tire slip risk. Always remember to switch back to D promptly—my habit is to shift within 3 seconds after overtaking.

[VonMariana]

When I first started driving, the instructor told me that the S gear is the sport mode, and it's actually very simple to operate: you don't need to press the brake while driving, just directly shift the gear lever to S. I tried it a few times during the break-in period of my new car and found that the engine speed would stay above 2000 RPM. I used it when going down steep slopes in underground garages, and the traction was much stronger than in D gear. But be careful not to use it in these situations: during traffic jams, when carrying elderly or children, or when a beginner is just starting to drive. Remember to ensure the speed is stable before switching. Once I switched abruptly at 40 km/h, and the transmission clunked and jerked violently. Also, remember to shift back to P gear before turning off the engine!

[Trent]

As someone who frequently tests fuel consumption, I've found that the S mode is quite thirsty. Test data shows that at a steady 80km/h, S mode consumes 1.8L more per 100km compared to D mode. The principle is more aggressive downshifting. For example, last month on the highway when I wanted to overtake, a light tap on the accelerator made it drop two gears instantly, with revs soaring to 4000 rpm. But used wisely, it can actually save money: on long descents, engaging S mode allows engine braking, reducing brake pad wear. I've calculated that the savings on brake pads outweigh the extra fuel cost. I recommend using it 2-3 times a month to clear carbon deposits—no need to imitate some youngsters who keep it in S mode all day to make noise on the streets.